Message Displays offer networking capabilities.

Press Release Summary:



InView(TM) Message Displays feature DeviceNet(TM) and Ethernet network communication modules, which allow users to connect displays into new or existing plant networks, eliminating serial protocol connections. Users can receive messages from variety of sources, triggering real-time messages for plant floor communication such as production data, process status and alarms, as well as general company information.



Original Press Release:


Rockwell Automation Enhances Allen-Bradley InView(TM) Message Display Family with Networking Capabilities


Communication modules leverage open networks for more efficient information exchange across the plant floor

Milwaukee, March 4, 2002 - To meet end-user needs for greater plant-wide connectivity, Rockwell Automation has enhanced its Allen-Bradley InView(TM) line of message displays with new DeviceNet(TM) and Ethernet network communication modules. The Ethernet modules are compatible with Ethernet TCP/IP and EtherNet/IP protocol.

The network communication modules allow users to easily connect InView message displays into new or existing plant networks, eliminating the need for serial protocol connections. The new networking options let InView users receive messages from a variety of sources, triggering real-time messages for plant floor communication, such as production data, process status and alarms, as well as general company information.

"The new communication modules are an ideal complement to the InView line, enabling the message displays to show information from a variety of remote locations while leveraging a company's communication resources with greater efficiency," said Paul
Whitney, product manager, Rockwell Automation. "Using Windows®-based messaging software, users can easily interface the displays with applications that support the use of ActiveX controls, such as Rockwell Software RSView32(TM)."

The EtherNet/IP communication module and the DeviceNet module allow messages to be triggered via Allen-Bradley DF1 message instructions. The Ethernet TCP/IP module enables messages to be sent with InView ActiveX control from RSView 32, or any other
ActiveX container.

DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP are core networks in NetLinx, Rockwell Automation's open networking architecture that provides seamless, top-floor to shop-floor integration. The networks in the NetLinx architecture - EtherNet/IP, ControlNet and DeviceNet - share a common application-layer protocol and a suite of communication services that enhance productivity and communication efficiency.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradleye controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software(R) factory management software, Dodge(R)
mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric(R) motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 23,000 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on the InView communication modules, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1378.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like this information in eletronic format (either disk or e-mail), please contact either of the individuals at the top of this release.

All reader inquiries should be directed to the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1378.

Complete Automation, RSView32, InView, NetLinx, Dodge, Reliance Electric, Allen-Bradley, and Rockwell Software are trademarks of Rockwell Automation.

DeviceNet is a trademark of the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association. ControlNet is a trademark of ControlNet International. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.

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